A federal judge overseeing one of the criminal cases against former President Donald Trump has scheduled a hearing for March 14 to consider Trump’s motions to dismiss the charges. The hearing will take place in Fort Pierce, Florida, and the judge, Aileen Cannon, has advised that lawyers on both sides reserve a full day for arguments.
This case involves allegations against Trump and his former aide, Waltine Nauta, regarding the retention of classified documents after Trump left the White House. The judge previously held a hearing on March 1 to discuss Trump’s request to delay the trial, but a decision on that matter is still pending.
Trump’s legal team has argued for the dismissal of the case, citing presidential immunity and the ability of the former president to designate any government document as a personal record. They contend that Trump’s possession of the documents is not unauthorized, as alleged by prosecutors.
“Whatever authorization a former president may have to possess his personal records, that authority does not override the legal requirements that attach to classified information,” they said.
Prosecutors, on the other hand, have countered that the Presidential Records Act does not authorize the possession of classified information by former presidents. They argue that Trump’s retention of classified documents is distinct from how President Joe Biden handled similar materials and caution against expanding presidential immunity.
The case has garnered attention and legal arguments from both sides, with third-party groups, including the America First Legal Foundation led by former Trump administration official Stephen Miller, filing briefs supporting Trump’s arguments. The judge has accepted these amicus briefs for court consideration.
